Dear Douglass:—The election returns in Niagara County are full of encouragement. Two months exertion has produced the following result: the whole County heard from except one election district giving 1041 for the Free Democracy, that district will, probably, bring it at least to 1050. Now, if such a result can be produced in two months, what can (by effect) be produced in one year? We are full of life and are determined to carry this County next fall. Somerset is our [illegible] town, Hale 194, Scott 144, Pierce 66, so that next spring that town will be blessed with others who will add their official to their individual influence for freedom. The effort of Pierce's administration, I think, will be to drive the liberal Democrats to us, the liberal Whigs cannot help [...] their proper [...]. I wish you would press upon the Free Democracy the necessity of a thorough organization in every town, even where their members are few. Good speeches help; but nothing tells without thorough organization and [illegible] labor. Our men must learn they can work without foreign speakers; neighbor must work with neighbor. We had no foreign help here, but a thorough, systematic organization enabled us to do our work effectually and very cheap.

Now, a word with regard to your paper; you have too many long, heavy articles, most people will not read them. I wish you would say to your correspondents their communications must be short and pithy, and if not, you will apply the shears, hoping, if you think it necessary, you will commence this.

I remain yours to the end.

John Roberts

Lewisport, Nov. 4, 1852